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The Role of Executive Assistant Recruiters in Shaping Corporate Leadership

By Angelica RainsExecutive Assistant

Have you ever heard the saying, “Behind every great leader, there is a great assistant”? Executive assistant recruiters embody this sentiment by meticulously selecting qualified individuals aligned with the organization’s ethos. Their role in shaping corporate leadership goes beyond just filling positions; they are architects of success, strategically placing the right people in the right roles. Are you curious to discover how these professionals influence the trajectory of companies and mold future leaders?

1. Identifying Top Talent

To effectively identify top talent for executive assistant roles, recruiters strategically leverage industry networks and recruitment platforms to source high-caliber candidates who align with organizational values and possess the necessary skills and experience. Executive assistant recruiters are vital in filling organizational leadership positions by utilizing targeted strategies to assess candidates based on specific criteria. They conduct behavioral interviews and assessments to evaluate the potential of candidates to excel in supporting senior leadership. By focusing on criteria assessment, recruiters ensure that the individuals selected for executive assistant roles have the capabilities to thrive in these demanding positions.

Successful executive assistant recruiters possess a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the unique demands of the role in shaping corporate leadership. They are crucial in ensuring the right individuals are in key support roles to drive the organization’s success. Through their expertise in sourcing and screening candidates, recruiters contribute significantly to the composition and effectiveness of the leadership team.

2. Aligning With Company Values

Aligning candidate values with company values is a critical focus for executive assistant recruiters to ensure a strong cultural fit within the organization. Executive assistant recruiters play a pivotal role in sourcing candidates who meet the job requirements and resonate with the organization’s mission, vision, and core values. By assessing candidates based on their alignment with the company’s culture and leadership expectations, recruiters enhance team dynamics and contribute to a positive work environment. Prioritizing candidates who embody the company’s ethos and leadership style is essential for fostering a cohesive and productive team. When executive assistant recruiters successfully match candidates with the right cultural fit, it not only strengthens the organization’s values but also contributes to the overall effectiveness of the leadership team. Therefore, aligning candidate values with company values is key for executive assistant recruiters in ensuring a harmonious and successful work environment.

3. Shaping Leadership Team Composition

In shaping the composition of the leadership team, executive assistant recruiters strategically focus on identifying and selecting candidates who can contribute effectively to diverse leadership structures. These recruiters ensure the leadership team comprises individuals with the right skills, experience, and cultural fit. Recruiting candidates who align with the organization’s values and can bring unique perspectives to the team, recruiters help create a dynamic and high-performing leadership group. They aim to establish a balanced team to drive organizational success through collaboration and innovation.

Executive assistant recruiters understand the importance of having a leadership team that represents a variety of expertise and strengths. By carefully selecting candidates who complement each other and the organization’s objectives, recruiters contribute to the overall effectiveness and cohesiveness of the team. Through strategic recruitment efforts, executive assistant recruiters shape the leadership team’s composition to ensure it is well-equipped to navigate challenges and lead the organization toward growth and prosperity.

4. Sourcing and Screening Candidates

Executive assistant recruiters meticulously source and screen candidates with specific skill sets tailored to support corporate leadership effectively. In this process, recruiters focus on key aspects to ensure they find the best candidates for executive assistant roles:

Skill Sets: Recruiters seek candidates with strong communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities.
Experience: Candidates are screened based on their experience supporting senior executives, managing complex calendars, and handling confidential information.
Adaptability: Recruiters assess candidates for their ability to adapt, make decisions under pressure, and anticipate the needs of executives.
Gatekeeping Skills: Candidates are evaluated for their proficiency in filtering information, managing priorities, and maintaining confidentiality.

5. Matching Skills and Experience

To ensure a seamless fit between candidates and the requirements of leadership positions, executive assistant recruiters meticulously analyze resumes and conduct thorough interviews to assess candidates’ abilities and qualifications. Matching skills and experience is a critical aspect of the executive assistant role, as these professionals play a vital role in supporting organizational success. Recruiters evaluate candidates’ communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills to ensure they are well-suited for leadership positions. Additionally, they consider candidates’ experience in managing high-pressure situations and handling confidential information, which are essential for effective leadership support. By carefully aligning candidates’ capabilities with the demands of the executive assistant role, recruiters facilitate the identification of individuals who can effectively enhance the leadership team. This strategic approach not only ensures a strong match between candidates and leadership positions but also contributes to the organization’s overall success.

6. Supporting Organizational Success

Supporting the organization’s success requires a keen understanding of the strategic alignment between executive assistant roles and corporate objectives. Executive assistant recruiters are pivotal in ensuring the right individuals are in place to drive organizational success. Here are key ways they contribute:

Identifying Top Talent: Recruiters focus on finding candidates with the necessary skills, experience, and personality fit for executive assistant roles.
Shaping Corporate Leadership: By sourcing candidates who can effectively support and enhance the performance of executives, recruiters help build strong leadership teams.
Enabling Senior Executives: Thorough screening processes ensure that only the most qualified candidates are presented for executive assistant positions.
Enhancing Organizational Performance: Recruiters play a crucial role in selecting candidates who can support and enable senior executives, ultimately contributing to the organization’s overall success.

7. Driving Leadership Effectiveness

Driving leadership effectiveness requires a strategic approach to talent assessment and alignment with organizational goals. Executive assistant recruiters are crucial in evaluating leadership potential through meticulous candidate assessments. By collaborating closely with hiring managers, recruiters ensure that the leadership requirements align with candidate profiles, facilitating an optimal fit. Through in-depth interviews, recruiters gauge candidates’ strategic thinking, decision-making abilities, and adaptability, essential traits for effective leadership. Moreover, executive assistant recruiters contribute to shaping corporate leadership by actively sourcing talent from diverse pools and fostering inclusive leadership teams. Their targeted recruitment strategies drive leadership effectiveness by placing top talent in key leadership roles. By focusing on identifying and placing candidates with the right skills, experience, and cultural alignment, executive assistant recruiters play a pivotal role in enhancing the overall effectiveness of corporate leadership teams.

Conclusion

In conclusion, executive assistant recruiters play a vital role in shaping corporate leadership by identifying top talent, aligning with company values, and strategically shaping the composition of the leadership team. Their expertise in sourcing, screening, and matching candidates ensures that the right individuals are in place to drive organizational success. With their ability to support and enhance leadership dynamics, these recruiters truly are the driving force behind building a strong and effective leadership team. Remember, the proof is in the pudding.

February 10, 2024

Why Companies Rely on Executive Assistant Recruiters for Their Hiring Needs

By Angelica RainsExecutive Assistant

When seeking to fill crucial executive assistant roles within your organization, turning to executive assistant recruiters is essential for achieving your hiring goals. The expertise and network these recruiters offer can significantly impact the quality of candidates you attract, but there’s more to this partnership than just finding suitable matches. By collaborating with executive assistant recruiters, you tap into many benefits beyond traditional recruitment processes. Whether it’s about streamlining your hiring process or ensuring long-term success, the advantages of relying on these specialized professionals are worth exploring.

Importance of Hiring the Right Executive Assistant

When seeking organizational success, securing the right executive assistant is paramount for enhancing productivity and efficiency within the company’s operations. Hiring the ideal executive assistant is a strategic decision that can profoundly impact the organization’s overall performance. Executive assistants support top-level executives and managers, handle crucial administrative tasks, and liaise between different departments. By recruiting a competent executive assistant through specialized executive assistant recruiters, companies ensure that they have an individual with the necessary skills, such as strong communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities, to streamline processes effectively.

Furthermore, having the right executive assistant can improve efficiency and time management and enhance decision-making capabilities, ultimately contributing to the company’s success. These professionals are instrumental in maintaining smooth operations, allowing executives to focus on critical tasks and strategic initiatives. Therefore, investing in hiring the right executive assistant is essential for fostering a productive and harmonious work environment.

Benefits of Using Executive Assistant Recruiters

Securing the right executive assistant through specialized recruiters not only enhances organizational efficiency but also ensures a strategic alignment of skills and qualities crucial for executive assistant roles at the highest levels of the company. Executive assistant recruiters are equipped with a deep understanding of the key qualities required for the role, enabling them to identify the best executive assistants with essential attributes like business acumen and emotional intelligence. By leveraging the expertise of these recruiters, companies can streamline the hiring process, saving valuable time and resources. Additionally, executive assistant recruiters have access to a network of top-tier candidates who may not actively seek job opportunities, expanding the talent pool for companies seeking the most qualified individuals. Through assistant recruiting specialists, organizations can secure candidates who not only meet the technical requirements of the assistant job but also align culturally with the company, ultimately leading to successful and lasting placements.

Access to a Pool of Qualified Candidates

Accessing a pre-vetted pool of qualified candidates, executive assistant recruiters offer companies a strategic advantage in identifying the right executive assistant with specialized skills and proven track records. This access streamlines the hiring process, ensuring companies can quickly hire an executive assistant who meets their needs. By relying on recruiters, companies eliminate the time-consuming task of sifting through numerous applications and conducting extensive interviews. Recruiters specialize in understanding the unique requirements of executive assistant roles and can efficiently match companies with candidates with the necessary expertise. This targeted approach saves time and increases the likelihood of hiring a top-tier executive assistant who can make an immediate impact. With recruiters maintaining connections in the industry, they can swiftly source diverse candidates, providing companies with a selection of highly qualified individuals. Trusting in executive assistant recruiters’ expertise can lead to finding the perfect fit for your executive assistant needs.

Expertise in C-Suite Requirements

With a deep understanding of the demands and intricacies of C-Suite roles, executive assistant recruiters excel in identifying candidates who possess the essential skills and experience required for supporting top-level executives effectively. Their expertise in C-Suite requirements enables them to seamlessly integrate candidates into the executive team, ultimately contributing to organizational success. Here are three key aspects where executive assistant recruiters showcase their proficiency:

Specialization in High-Level Tasks: Executive assistant recruiters focus on finding candidates who can handle sensitive information, manage high-level tasks efficiently, and support top executives with professionalism and discretion.
Understanding of Executive Team Dynamics: By grasping the dynamic environments in which C-Suite executives operate, executive assistant recruiters can pinpoint candidates who align with the team’s culture, values, and strategic objectives.
Contribution to Organizational Success: Through their tailored approach to recruiting for C-Suite roles, executive assistant recruiters are vital in delivering top-tier candidates who meet the specific demands of high-level positions, ultimately enhancing organizational success.

Efficient Delivery of Expected Results

Efficiently delivering the expected results is a hallmark of executive assistant recruiters specializing in high-level executive assistant roles. These recruiters possess a specialized approach tailored to the unique demands of executive assistant positions within companies. By honing in on the specific requirements of executive support roles, they can efficiently match top talent to the needs of their clients. This targeted methodology ensures a higher success rate in placing candidates who can meet and exceed the company’s expectations. Companies rely on these executive assistant recruiters for their hiring needs because of their proven track record in streamlining the recruitment process and securing the right fit for critical executive support roles. By leveraging the expertise and networks of these recruiters, companies can optimize their hiring strategies to achieve efficient and effective results in identifying top talent for their executive assistant positions.

Time-Saving Investment in Finding the Right Fit

By leveraging the expertise of executive assistant recruiters specializing in high-level placements, companies can make a time-saving investment in finding the right fit for critical executive assistant roles. This strategic approach not only streamlines the hiring process but also ensures that the selected candidate is well-suited for the demands of the position. Here are three key benefits of relying on executive assistant recruiters for your hiring needs:

Efficient Screening Process: Recruiters have the experience and tools to quickly assess candidate qualifications, saving your company valuable time sorting through numerous applications.
Tailored Candidate Selection: Focusing on finding the right fit for executive assistant positions, recruiters can pinpoint candidates with the specific skills and attributes required for success in these roles.
Faster Placement: By tapping into the recruiters’ networks and resources, companies can efficiently expedite the hiring process and secure top talent for their executive assistant positions.

Investing in executive assistant recruiters saves time and ensures that your organization finds the perfect match for these critical roles.

Impact on Company Success

Executive assistant recruiters are pivotal in identifying top talent crucial for supporting company executives effectively and driving organizational success. By leveraging the expertise of executive assistant recruiters, companies can ensure that they hire skilled professionals who possess the necessary qualities to contribute to the company’s achievements. These recruiters play a key role in the hiring process by sourcing candidates with the specific skills and experience required to enhance the organization’s productivity, efficiency, and decision-making processes. Through their understanding of the unique demands of executive roles, executive assistant recruiters help companies secure top-notch support for key stakeholders, ultimately leading to long-term benefits and organizational success. Partnering with executive assistant recruiters streamlines the recruitment process and ensures that the company has the right individuals to support key executives and drive the company toward its strategic goals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, relying on executive assistant recruiters for your hiring needs is a strategic investment in your company’s success. With their expertise in identifying top talent and understanding C-Suite requirements, they can efficiently deliver the perfect fit for your organization. By saving you time and ensuring a seamless match, executive assistant recruiters play a crucial role in propelling your company toward excellence. So, why settle for anything less than the best when you can have expert guidance at your fingertips?

January 10, 2024

Monica Richgels Named Partner, Executive Search at Groupe Insearch

By Angelica RainsLeadership

January 25, 2023

Groupe Insearch – a member of the Sanford Rose Associates Network of offices, is honored to name Monica Richgels as Partner, Executive Search at their firm. Groupe Insearch is a proud woman-owned and operated executive search firm. They build impactful teams with accuracy and a customized approach. Their search process is thorough and hyper-focused, utilizing a variety of resources to identify, attract, and hire the best possible talent in the field. Their long history as market specialists has established them as a trusted resource for top performing candidates and high-profile CEO’s, private philanthropists and venture capital investors to identify and recruit the top 1% of C-level support. Groupe Insearch has a global industry presence and services all major metro areas including Miami, New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Angelica Rains, Founder and CEO of Groupe Insearch states, “Over 5 years, Monica’s engagement and commitment to both clients and candidates has made her a sought-after advisor. Her internal thought-leadership, mentorship and contribution to revenue growth are key assets we appreciate and know will impact our continued expansion.”

Monica’s relationship with Groupe Insearch began over 20 years ago as a candidate and then a client. She held positions as Executive Assistant and Chief of Staff to industry leaders in San Francisco and New York. Over the past five years some of Monica’s accomplishments at Groupe Insearch include:

Groupe Insearch top biller in 2020 and 2022
President’s Club 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022
Over $2m in revenue
SRA top biller awards out of nearly 1,000 recruiters

Groupe Insearch specializes in executive support placements in both corporate and private service organizations. For more information visit Insearchsf.com.

For over 60 years, Sanford Rose Associates®, comprised of independently owned firms continue to “find people who make a difference®”. Executive Search Review recognizes Sanford Rose Associates network as being one of the Top 10 Search Firms in North America. Sanford Rose Associates has 160+ offices worldwide and through our network of offices, we can deliver leaders in over 40 countries across the world for our U.S. based global clients.

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January 25, 2023

Quiet Quitting: Separating the Symptom from the Cause

By Angelica RainsHiring Strategies

Quiet Quitting: Separating the Symptom from the Cause

Quiet quitting. What began as a viral video has become one of the most talked about (and written about) topics this year. Is it a valid phenomenon, or is it nothing more than catchy clickbait? To a certain degree, the answer to that question does not matter. Rather than debating the significance of the symptoms, this is an opportunity for leaders to proactively address the more important matter: the cause. While many organizations excel in the areas of employee engagement and retention, the tenor in the marketplace (and perhaps why the original video gained so much traction) is that this is the exception – not the rule. The symptoms indicate that something has shifted; the cause of that shift deserves a discussion.

What’s New?

In the video – which has over 3.5 million views – 24-year-old TikToker Zaid Khan (@zaidlepplin) states that “work is not your life.” This is not a new concept. But assuming that work is a requisite part of life, to view the act of employment simply as a means to an end overlooks the opportunity that purposeful, gratifying, challenging work can provide. When given a choice to do the bare minimum necessary to stay employed, or proactively constructing a professional environment that provides meaning, which would most choose? The latter is the obvious choice, but is easier said than done. And although the need for professional fulfillment is nothing new, the external factors have changed:

The pandemic shifted people’s attitudes toward work, creating a time of reflection during which some reassessed the importance of things in their lives beyond work.
Remote and hybrid work environments have created employees who feel disconnected from their work, workplace, and coworkers.
Lack of boundaries between work and personal life have created, for some, an “always working” dynamic that leads to burnout.
New career and early career employees have never “gone to work” and thus have no personal investment or commitment to an organization, its people, or its mission.
Lack of organizational focus/attention necessary to keep employees aligned, motivated and moving forward in their organizations and in their careers. “Out of sight, out of mind” is not an effective formula for employee engagement and retention.

Uncovering the Cause

“What is your why?” It sounds like an esoteric question, but why is it that you choose to go to work each day? Why do you choose this profession, instead of something else? Why do you choose the role you are in, as opposed to others?

Encourage yourself and others to press beyond the obvious answer of “I need to make money.” There are countless ways to earn a living; why have you chosen this one?

Incorporate The Five Whys, which originated within the Toyota Production System and are an integral part of Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and Six Sigma. Taiichi Ohno saw the Five Whys as an especially important part of Toyota’s overall philosophy. The process is simple: Just ask why five times in succession to get to the true root cause of the problem. This is a remarkably simple process, but more often than not, we stop at the very first “why” and try to do something about the symptoms rather than getting to the true root causes.

Once you begin to list all of your whys, you will notice they fall in two categories. The first category is similar to Maslow’s lowest hierarchy of needs – food, water, shelter. “I’d like to be able to pay my mortgage.” “I want to send my children to college.” “My elderly parents will rely on me to provide for them.” “I have always dreamed of buying a vacation home.”

The second category recognizes that there is a bigger purpose, a desire to make a difference, and a need to higher meaning behind the choices we make. Both categories are important and not mutually exclusive. An individual who only cares about money will likely live with a void in their life, while an individual who is all about the big picture has their head in the clouds but lacks feet on the ground.

Treatment Options

Acknowledge this is a leadership issue. In his book Extreme Ownership, former Navy Seal Jocko Willink writes: “On any team, in any organization, all responsibility for success and failure rests with the leader. The leader is truly and ultimately responsible for everything.” Leadership must address manager engagement first, then re-skill them to be successful in a hybrid/remote working world.

Rebuild the psychological contract with employees. The 20^th Century psychological contract was transactional: Employees showed up every day from 9-5, and in return were rewarded with a paycheck and a pension. The 21^st Century contract is relational. Employees want a paycheck, but they want challenge, career growth, support, and meaningful relationships. More than ever, leaders must build (rebuild) trusting relationships with their employees. When people feel valued, they are more likely to naturally engage or reengage in their work.

Commit to Offer High-Quality Work. High-quality work means having varied and meaningful tasks, clear goals, and a positive team climate. Particularly relevant today, high-quality work also means having reasonable demands and expectations of workers. Leaders need to be especially careful about not overwhelming people with excessive demands, long work hours, or unreasonable pressures.

Acknowledge and Respect that Employees Have Changed. Quiet quitting is an identity shift. See employees as they are now vs. who they were pre-pandemic. Employees want autonomy over their work, not just in how they carry out their tasks, but also — as much as possible — influence over where and when they work.

Work to Reconnect Employees/Teammates. Employee engagement relies on feeling connected to one another individually and connected as at team to a bigger purpose. Leaders must be intentional in creating interaction and cohesion.

Quiet quitting isn’t new. It’s a new twist on an old problem. But, it has captured people’s attention. As leaders, it’s on us to address it.

October 7, 2022

Networking Tips for Executive Assistants and Administrative Professionals

By Angelica RainsExecutive Assistant

Networking is a great way to meet professionals from different fields and areas of expertise. According to LinkedIn, 70 percent of people are hired through a connection. Almost 80 percent of professionals consider networking an essential factor in their career success.

As an existing or aspiring executive professional, networking can help you expand your circle and expose you to opportunities that can further your career.

Where Can You Find Networking Groups/Events?

The traditional form of networking involves attending a conference or a business event. However, today the concept of networking has expanded to other mediums. Most social media sites (e.g. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram) promote online events and webinars that offer opportunities for people to network and expand their circle.

While it can be hard to mingle with a group of strangers, you can reap many benefits once you overcome that initial hesitation. Here are some tips you can use at the next networking event.

Be Yourself

People can see when you are being forceful or trying to be someone you are not. Be your authentic, confident self!

Prepare an Elevator Pitch

The elevator pitch is like a mini overview of your professional accomplishments. It is typically a 30-second pitch that you deliver when meeting new people. The idea of an elevator pitch is to quickly tell someone about yourself and make a good first impression. It is also a great icebreaker as it can give people a topic to talk about. Someone you meet at a networking event may be a C-suite level executive looking to hire an executive assistant. Your pitch can be your first selling point.

Go With a Give-and-Take Mentality

Networking isn’t about finding people who can place you at their companies. Instead, it is about building mutual connections. Share your background, interests, and career aspirations with people and show interest in their careers. Offer help if they need it.

Share Contact Details

If you have met someone who can help you in your career or know someone who can help you, make sure you exchange their contact information. Typically, people exchange their business cards, but you can also add them on LinkedIn.

Follow-Up

After the event, send an email or a LinkedIn message thanking them for their acquaintance. Let them know that you are looking forward to establishing a professional relationship with them.

Suppose you are interested in an administrative or executive assistant career. In that case, executive search companies can help you prepare for interviews and help you get hired successfully at some of the best companies.

March 16, 2022

How to Effectively Onboard Your New Executive Assistant

By Angelica RainsExecutive Assistant

Whether you have just found your executive assistant (EA) or are looking for one, onboarding is an essential step in the post-hiring process. Preparation will ensure the process goes smoothly, not just for your EA but also for you.

Being a CEO, your executive assistant will be tasked to take care of all the administrative and executive tasks, such as scheduling calendar meetings, responding to emails, collaborating with different teams, booking flights, and more. Before onboarding, it is vital to equip them with all the tools necessary to carry out their job efficiently.

We have created this guide to help you, a CEO or a leader, successfully onboard your executive assistant. Let’s get started!

Prepare the Paperwork

Before the onboarding begins, you want to make sure all relevant paperwork is complete. Make sure HR has all the required forms. Touch base with HR to ensure the employee is ready to be onboarded. Some example documents include:

Offer letter
Job title and description
Hiring forms (e.g. W2, I-9, etc.)
Tax form
Direct deposit details
NDA

Contact the IT department

Get in touch with IT to ensure the employee’s badge is ready and has access to the building and required rooms. Also, check if their email address is set up and have access to all the essential folders/files. IT should also set up their workstation with the necessary equipment.

Executive assistants typically use software and applications like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Google Meet, TravelPerk, Slack, Smart Receipts, Asana, SnagIt, and more. IT should provide them access to the tools and resources needed to get the job done efficiently.

Prepare the Workstation (If on-site)

If your executive assistant is hired for an on-site role, their workstation should include everything they will need to operate. Some of the essentials include:

A desk, chair, lamp
Monitor, keyboard, mouse
Printer
Keys
Stationery items (sticky notes, notepad, stapler, pins)
Company merchandise (e.g. mug, glass, T-shirt)

Provide Access to Required Files and Folders

As the CEO or the leader, there are files and folders that only you have access to now. However, your executive assistant will need to use some of these files for their day-to-day tasks. When providing them access, remember to discuss confidentiality.

Are you thinking of hiring an executive assistant for yourself? Executive search firms can help you find dynamic and forward-thinking executive assistants who can effectively assist a team of leaders and CEOs in any domain or industry.

March 9, 2022

Executive Assistant Interview Questions That Provide Real Insight

By Angelica RainsCorporate Culture, Executive Assistant

Interviewing a candidate for a job is one of the most crucial steps in finding the right fit for your team or company. While you can’t find out everything about a candidate in an hour interview, there are certain questions that can give you a better insight into what the candidate is all about.

If you are a high-level official (C-suite) looking for an executive assistant to join your team, you know how important it is for the candidate to be the right fit.

We have compiled some interview questions that can help you better assess and filter your candidate so you can make an informed decision.

Technical Questions

Describe your computer skills. What software do you use to organize your tasks and improve productivity?

Skilled executive assistants can organize data in spreadsheets, schedule calendar meetings, and create well-written emails. Apart from Microsoft Office and Google WorkSpace, executive assistants are well-versed in many other softwares.

What process do you follow to book domestic and international travel?

As a CEO or a leader, traveling is an essential part of your business. The executive assistant you hire must be familiar with everything that travel entails, including keeping note of delays, cancellations, layovers, car booking, and more.

Describe a great executive assistant in 3 words.

Summarizing a whole role in 3 words can be tricky but the words they will choose can give you an insight into what they perceive the role to be.

Behavioral Questions

Tell me about a time you worked on projects with similar deadlines. How did you handle it?

This question is a good judge of how your candidate prioritizes tasks and handles pressure. As a CEO, schedules change pretty quickly and your ideal candidate is someone who can refocus and readjust according to the changing needs.

Give me an example of a time you had to solve a complex issue for an executive. Did you get any help?

While executive assistants are great at handling tasks on their own, they also need to collaborate with people on other teams to complete tasks. Therefore, people’s skills and team-building skills are also crucial to this role.

How do you handle conflict?

No workplace is free of problems. When dealing with different people in different departments, your executive assistant can come across difficult people or scenarios. A cool, calm, and, collected person knows how to handle conflict and avoid drama in the workspace.

Are you looking for a top executive assistant to manage your day-to-day tasks efficiently? We can help you find dynamic and well-rounded individuals for your team.

March 2, 2022

How to Make Travel Plans for Your Boss

By Angelica RainsCorporate Culture, Executive Assistant

Business travel is crucial to a business’s long-term success. Business travel brings in clients, opportunities, and helps a company expand its foothold. As an executive assistant, when your boss is traveling, the responsibility of taking care of all the travel-related logistics falls on your shoulders. From booking flights to reserving hotels— there are a lot of things that go into planning a streamlined travel itinerary for your boss.

In this article, we will cover some useful insight on how to effectively make travel plans for your boss.

Find out the budget

Every company has an allocated travel budget. Make sure you know how much can be spent on the trip. Businesses sometimes have partnerships with companies that offer travel at discounted prices— check if there is a better deal available.

Check travel requirements

Every country has specific requirements for visitors who are traveling for business or pleasure. Depending on which country your boss is traveling to, there may be certain travel requirements that he will have to consider. For example, does your boss need a visa to travel to that specific country? Does he need certain vaccinations? Keep such contingencies in mind and begin planning a few weeks in advance to cater to these requirements. Also, make sure your boss’ passport is on a date and has empty pages in case a visa is required.

Know your boss’ preference

Some bosses are particular about certain aspects of travel. For example, they may prefer an aisle seat over a window or want a digital boarding pass rather than a printed copy. Ask your boss what their preferences are and plan the trip accordingly.

Create an itinerary

Before travel, sit down with your boss and create a travel itinerary for the travel days. What will his schedule look like on day one? Who will he meet and at what time? Details such as getting into the shuttle and getting to the airport, to meeting an executive for lunch—everything should be listed down in the itinerary. This will give your boss a clear idea of what’s next and remove any confusion or miscommunication between you both.

Research the culture

With international travel, you need to keep certain things in mind. Every culture has norms, e.g. way of greeting, eating, or even tipping. Briefly update your boss on these details.

Account for the unexpected

Unexpected changes can happen during travel. Maybe your boss’ flight gets delayed. What should you do in that situation? If it’s an overnight delay, you would have to book a hotel for him. In another situation, their flight may reach earlier than expected, and you now have to coordinate the new time with the pickup service and the hotel staff. Always be prepared for the unexpected!

Working as an executive assistant can be challenging yet rewarding. If you are planning to further your career as an executive assistant, consider working with executive search firms that can place you at some of the top companies.

February 23, 2022

The Best Executive Assistants Have These Things in Common

By Angelica RainsCorporate Culture, Executive Assistant

Executive assistants are the force majeure on every successful executive’s team. The EA serves in multiple roles, such as scheduler, gatekeeper, coordinator, strategic liaison, advisor, manager, and problem solver – all before lunch!

In addition to running the office, the great executive assistants support the busy executive with their days’ professional and social demands. The scheduling doesn’t stop there. They will make sure there’s also time for family obligations. Assistants are successful only when their executives meet their goals and responsibilities.

Suppose you’re an executive in today’s dynamic business world. You need an expert executive assistant to help you meet the demands of your role in the company while still maintaining a work-life balance.

What every outstanding executive assistant has in common

Are you ready to look for your EA? You may already have a checklist of characteristics and skills in mind. They could include anything from being bilingual to understanding zoning regulations for commercial buildings.

However, recruiters who screen candidates for EA roles have identified the traits required of top assistants. The best executive assistants are a combination of several characteristics.

When it’s time to hire an assistant for your executive office, look for:

Superb communication skills in speaking, writing, and listening. This includes posting on social media as appropriate, listening to team member concerns, and reporting potentially volatile situations.
Tech-forward thinking that includes a willingness to recommend and use new technologies.
Vast networking capabilities because an EA won’t know everything, but they always know someone who does. It’s one of their secrets in getting so much accomplished.
A sense of professionalism that mirrors your corporate culture. Your EA will be ready to meet and greet stakeholders, lead a meeting, or conduct an interview at a moment’s notice.
An ability to handle stress in any situation. Meeting tight deadlines, coordinating travel itineraries and making sure you’ve signed your kids’ field trip permission slips are all part of a day’s work.
The person who will best represent and sell your brand. You can count on your EA to represent you and your company the way you do.
Collaborative skills include involving a variety of stakeholders in tasks. Great EAs rely on teams to make their magic happen, and the person in this position knows how to delegate for maximum efficiency.
Someone with sharp anticipation skills. Every EA’s superpower is its ability to anticipate your needs before you even articulate them.

Finally, confidentiality is critical when hiring for the role that will support your work. Executive assistants keep delicate information a secret. Your EA will be loyal and discreet, much the way we recruit candidates for your executive assistant position.

February 16, 2022

Tasks You Should Be Delegating to an Assistant

By Angelica RainsCorporate Culture, Leadership

A study by Harvard Business Review shares that senior managers and executives work in excess of 60 hours per week. The study also suggests that most executives spend large portions of their weekends and vacation time working as well. Admittedly, senior executives have a lot to do—investor meetings, managing teams, planning, crisis management, project tracking, email triaging, etc.

With increasingly fewer hours to spend on personal development and with family, time can often feel scarce. Putting in long hours can feel like the solution, but it isn’t. Throughout the day or week, executives spend time on tasks that do not require their specialized skill set and eat into their productivity. These can be accomplished by an assistant instead.

Let’s look at the tasks an assistant can execute on your behalf, so you can prioritize the things that truly matter.

What Tasks Should You Delegate To Your Assistant?

Here are some of which you could delegate to your assistant.

Managing Emails

Do you regularly check your emails to ‘stay on top of things?’ While it may seem like the least time-consuming activity, a study conducted by McKinsey Global Institute suggests that an average of 13 hours a week are spent checking emails!

A large percentage of emails clogging your inbox is just promotional or spam, and having an assistant to sort through them allows you to focus on important tasks that require your active attention.

Bookings and Reservations

If you travel frequently and spend hours searching for accommodations, the best deals on flight reservations, refunds, car rentals, etc., then perhaps it’s time to consider delegating these tasks to an assistant. An assistant can make all your reservations ensure that your travel and food-related preferences are met, and your itinerary is optimized so that you can focus on your meetings and relax in your downtime.

Organizing Appointments and Scheduling Meetings

Organizing appointments and scheduling meetings is another task that requires more attention than necessary. Constantly updating your calendar, searching for openings to schedule meetings, re-scheduling previously set appointments—these are tedious tasks that genuinely don’t require your attention and can easily be handled by an assistant.

Research and Reports

Most senior executives spend an unnecessary portion of their time collating data and making reports and presentations. An assistant can take the burden of research off you, irrespective of whether you want information on the background of a particular client or if you wish to gather data for a meeting. Yes, assistants are trained to be adept at research, and you can make informed decisions without spending hours sifting through data based on their findings.

Personal Errands and Support

Your assistant can handle multiple personal errands for you—from booking doctor’s appointments to scheduling children’s birthdays, shopping for presents for important occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, house warming parties. Assistants can also help you stay ahead of overdue communication, check on aspects such as car repairs, manage your social media, and more.

Managing everything alone is a Herculean task, but it doesn’t have to be. An assistant’s support can be crucial to taking small-but-significant things off your plate, ensuring your day goes smoothly. Work with us today—we make finding the proper support for you easier.

February 9, 2022